Damian Burns

The Economics MSc offered by SOAS is unique in a number of ways. We house some of the most respected heterodox economists in the world, who respect and engage with every student. At SOAS you are encouraged to not play by the rules, and the level of critique of both theory and empirics at which you are expected to engage makes the programme like no other in the UK. The variety of course options, from hard-core microeconomics to economics of the environment, means that all interests are covered. This, for me, is truly special.

MSc Political Economy of Development

Having completed an undergraduate degree in Economics at SOAS I, like many others, found it difficult to say my goodbyes to friends, lecturers and the ever welcoming Students’ Union bar to finally enter the real world. So I enrolled in a Master’s course. It was not only my personal connection with the institution, having been so heavily involved in Student Union organisation and politics that led me to the decision to stay, but I also felt that I had only scratched the surface of my potential level of engagement and critique of economic theories within academia. I was left with a thirst to continue engaging with the debates within radical heterodox economics and political economy.

The Economics MSc offered by SOAS is unique in a number of ways. We house some of the most respected heterodox economists in the world, who respect and engage with every student. At SOAS you are encouraged to not play by the rules, and the level of critique of both theory and empirics at which you are expected to engage makes the programme like no other in the UK. The variety of course options, from hard-core microeconomics to economics of the environment, means that all interests are covered. This, for me, is truly special.

One of the most special things about SOAS is the people. You do not have ‘colleagues’ or ‘course-mates’; you have friends. We share knowledge, we do not compete, and that is a spirit which is valued by all here, from the lecturers to research students, masters and undergraduates. I learn more from talking and engaging with people than I could ever do out of any book.

SOAS is a place where people find a home, and that is why so many, like myself, always seem to return; be it to study, protest, debate, or even just have a cup of tea.